Students get the executive treatment

May 25, 2011Anne Cummings

Students did a double take when they saw Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis and Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit serve them pancakes in Tiffin Hall.

Tiffin Hall students won first place in the United Appeal campaign fundraiser for residential halls, which awarded them one hour of service from the president and provost. Students could choose blueberry, strawberry, banana or chocolate chip pancakes made by the president and provost. Resident assistants and residential directors helped raise funds in the residence halls for United Appeal throughout winter quarter.

"We had no idea that our fundraising efforts would give us a chance to have the president here. We went around the building informing students about United Appeal and it’s just fabulous to have the opportunity to meet him," Residential Assistant Jade Scherer said.

Tiffin Hall won first place with a total of $275 in donations to the campaign.

"Taking an active role in the United Appeal Campaign is important for Ohio University and it’s important for me personally," said McDavis. "Simply stated, it’s about people helping people. It was especially moving this year to have the students in our residence halls get involved in the campaign. Provost Benoit and I had a great time flipping pancakes for students in Tiffin Hall on Monday. It gave us a great way to thank the students in Tiffin for leading the student fundraising efforts in support of our greater community."

The contest was also done for various planning units tracking employee participation. Finance and Administration was one of the top participating university administrative support units in this year's United Appeal campaign. Because of their efforts, they received one hour of service from Becky Watts, chief of staff and special assistant to the president, and Eric Burchard, director of government relations.

Watts and Burchard worked at the Front Room serving their specially designed sweet treats, "Watts of Caramel" and "Iced Appeal". "Watts of caramel" was an espresso shot with caramel and whipped cream and "Iced Appeal" was a strawberry cheesecake flavored iced latte.

"It was humbling to see the number of students, staff and faculty who gave so generously to support our friends and neighbors," said Watts. "The United Appeal campaign each year is one of the most meaningful ways the Ohio University family can strengthen our ties to the greater Athens community."

OHIO helps

United Appeal is an independent agency that has been serving Athens since 1956. United Appeal is an organization, which assists families and individuals of Athens County meet their basic needs. OHIO raised approximately $62,000 for United Appeal this year.